Sub-PRB Uplink Resource Allocation via DCI Mode Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently allocating resources for sub-physical-resource-block (sub-PRB) uplink transmission, particularly in supporting both sub-PRB and PRB-based allocations while maintaining backward compatibility and optimizing resource utilization for UEs in different modes (CE Mode A and B).
Innovation Solution
A new resource allocation method is introduced, where a bit is added to the DCI to indicate sub-PRB allocation, allowing for dynamic switching between sub-PRB and PRB-based allocations, and the index of the first PRB for sub-PRB allocation is determined explicitly or implicitly, enabling flexible scheduling and backward compatibility without increasing the scheduling grant size significantly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sub-PRB allocation is introduced to improve spectral efficiency and resource utilization, then resource allocation flexibility is improved, but system complexity and backward compatibility requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between sub-PRB and PRB allocation modes through a mode indication bit in DCI. The system can dynamically adapt the resource allocation granularity based on traffic requirements, UE capabilities, and channel conditions, allowing flexible transition between fine-grained sub-PRB allocation for spectral efficiency and coarser PRB allocation for simplicity and backward compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The DCI format is designed to support both sub-PRB and PRB allocation modes universally. By incorporating a mode indication bit and configurable resource allocation fields, the same DCI structure can serve dual purposes: indicating sub-PRB allocation when the mode bit is set and traditional PRB allocation when not set, thereby maintaining backward compatibility while enabling new functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sub-PRB allocation is supported to enable flexible scheduling, then resource allocation versatility is improved, but compatibility with existing systems worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between sub-PRB and PRB allocation modes based on UE capability indications and network configuration. UEs can indicate their support for sub-PRB allocation, and the network can switch modes per scheduling decision, ensuring that legacy UEs continue to operate with traditional PRB allocation while newer UEs can benefit from sub-PRB flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A mode indication bit in the DCI acts as an intermediary signal that mediates between the new sub-PRB allocation mechanism and existing PRB allocation procedures. This single bit controls whether the resource allocation fields should be interpreted as sub-PRB indices or traditional PRB indices, seamlessly bridging the gap between old and new allocation methods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a new resource allocation method is introduced to support sub-PRB, then scheduling flexibility is improved, but DCI size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resource allocation indication is segmented into multiple components: a mode indication bit that selects between allocation types, and resource allocation fields whose interpretation depends on the mode bit. This segmentation allows the system to use compact representations for each mode while maintaining the ability to indicate both sub-PRB and PRB allocations without requiring a completely new large-format DCI structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The meaning and range of resource allocation parameters change based on the mode indication bit. When sub-PRB mode is indicated, the resource allocation fields represent sub-PRB indices with smaller ranges; when PRB mode is indicated, the same fields represent traditional PRB indices. This parameter reconfiguration allows flexible scheduling without proportionally increasing DCI size.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product to support sub-PRB allocation on the Physical Uplink Shared Channel in a wireless communications system, a new resource allocation method is described, where available physical resource blocks (PRBs) in each subframe or narrowband are reorganized into a number of sub-PRBs, which would apply to user equipment in both in CE Mode A and CE Mode B while also supporting sub-PRB allocation in Msg3 as part of early data transmission during random access, so that a user equipment, which is previously configured for using physical uplink shared channel sub-PRB resources, upon receiving an indication, will then use or determine whether to use a sub-PRB resource allocation based on the received indication.